The Verizon iPhone 4 contains a radio chip capable of connecting to both CDMA and to GSM networks, a detailed autopsy of the device has revealed.

The take-apart was conducted by iFixit.com and exposed the presence of Qualcomm's MDM6600 chip, a part that supports both types of cellular technology when connected to appropriate antennae.

Naturally, the Veriphone's integrated aerial is tuned to CDMA, but there's technically nothing to stop Apple incorporating a second, GSM-tuned antenna too, allowing it to produce a single handset capable of connecting to either network.

Or it will simply unify the circuitboard, which will be plugged into different casings for CDMA and GSM operators.

IFixit's teardown reveals that most of the Verizon iPhone's parts are not interchangeable with those from a GSM iPhone 4.

With no Sim slot in the handset, Apple has labelled the phone "does not contain any user-serviceable parts", and there is a pair of its 'pentalobe' screws to keep the case shut. ®